The following was written for me by a fellow horseplayer who is a HANA supporter. I agree 100% with every word:An Open Letter to Los Alamitos Horseplayers
Last week HANA Pres Jeff Platt spoke at a CHRB meeting in opposition to a proposed 2% takeout increase at Los Alamitos. The CHRB Board, despite the evidence presented that an increase in takeout rates would have a negative impact on handle and revenues, decided to institute the raise. They also included a review process, where by the CHRB would from time to time review Los Alamitos handle numbers between now and Sept 8th, 2010, in order to monitor the effect of this takeout increase on handle.
If the handle numbers come back weak, and show that horseplayers are reacting negatively to this takeout increase, there is a high likelihood it will be rescinded. If the handle numbers come back unchanged, there is a high likelihood the takeout increase will be made permanent. It is also likely, in our opinion, that if Los Alamitos handle is strong, that other California tracks will follow suit with takeout raises of their own. We know this would have a very negative effect on you, as a horseplayer, and in return on California Racing as a whole.
You, as a Los Alamitos bettor, have a very big say in all of this. Each dollar bet at Los Alamitos is a vote for making the takeout increase permanent, and a vote towards seeing higher takeouts across California. Each dollar withheld from Los Alamitos is a vote towards rescinding this takeout increase, and discrediting the notion that racing's revenue problems can be solved by simply raising the price of an already overpriced product. You are in the enviable position to have a direct and measurable impact on the future of California racing, and to make a statement on behalf of horseplayers everywhere.
We ask you to consider these facts, and we trust that your actions and decisions will help to bring about a better and brighter future for this game.
Please pass this message on to fellow horseplayers everywhere.
Jeff Platt
President, HANA
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2 comments:
Los Alamitos used to be close enough to me that the bright lights shine in my backyard when they run at night. I've llived in Cypress since 1973 and have watched many changes over the years at this race track. I was involved in supporting the zoning changes that allowed the Church, Costco, and other changes. I actually felt the sale of the real ... See Moreestate would help keep the track healthy. Now Los Alamitos has to the the leader to test the new tax. It's obvious that they have had a death wish for some time and this is a good way to end it. I will not support Los Alamitos in the future. I am a long time customer, neighbor, and local voter and you thank me and my friends in this area by insulting our intelligence! Los Al may lose more than just a percentage of their handle.
Michael Burke
Los Alamitos announced yesterday 1/23/2010 that they will be on a 3 day schedule. Racing will be Fri-Sun starting 1/29/2010.
Claimed they will wait for the babies to start racing in April.
Is the takeout increase the real reason?
MAI27
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